New Internet Company Formed with iVillage
Unilever PLC
Unilver NV
15 February 2000
UNILEVER AND iVILLAGE FORM NEW INTERNET COMPANY
$200 Million in Cash, Intellectual Property, Marketing and
Other Resources to be Provided
Unilever and iVillage Inc. today announced the formation of an
independently-managed company to provide women with a highly
focused community, an array of interactive, customised online
services, beauty and personal care products, and personalised
product recommendations.
The company will function as a separate, independently managed
venture from Unilever and iVillage. For the first time, women
will be able to go to one unbiased, comprehensive site for
their total beauty needs. It will offer compelling content,
innovative beauty-related services, and commerce solutions not
limited to any specific brands or manufacturers.
'This new company combines the expertise of the leader in
reaching women online with the world's largest personal care
products company,' said Charles B. Strauss, president of
Unilever's Home & Personal Care North America Business Unit.
'iVillage.com's rich, independent editorial content coupled
with Unilever's marketing prowess creates an unparalleled
force in the beauty and personal care marketplace.'
Unilever and iVillage plan to provide $200 million in cash,
intellectual property, marketing and other resources in
support of the venture. Unilever will provide capital as well
as sponsorship and promotional initiatives. iVillage will
provide its Beauty Channel, technology and promotional
consideration. The company will generate revenues through
advertising, sponsorships and commerce sales of beauty and
personal care products. It will be headquartered in New York
City.
'With Unilever's established customer base and position as one
of the world's largest advertisers, this venture increases our
reach and further underscores our ability to effectively
leverage the iVillage brand and assets both online and
offline,' said Candice Carpenter, chief executive officer of
iVillage. 'Unilever touches nearly every household in
America. With its extensive reach, superior marketing
capabilities and solid understanding of the Internet, Unilever
is a natural partner for us. We share a commitment to
offering our consumers the richest experience through
practical solutions and access to leading experts in the
beauty and personal care industry.'
'Eighty-five percent of Unilever's products are purchased or
used by women,' said Strauss. 'This new venture provides the
beauty and personal care solutions women seek. This furthers
the aggressive interactive strategy Unilever began with the
development of the global Interactive Brand Centres in North
America, Europe and Singapore and through our alliances with
key interactive partners, such as AOL, Microsoft, and
Excite@Home.'
David L. Stern, formerly vice president of Unilever's
Interactive Brand Centre (IBC) has been named chief executive
officer for the new company. In addition to Stern, talent will
be actively recruited over the coming months to further staff
this venture.
'This entity will empower consumers through personalised
services and product choices,' said Stern. 'We know from our
experience that women want an unbiased, complete environment
that offers the best products possible. That is why no
products or information in this environment will favour any
particular partner or manufacturer.'
-o0o-
About iVillage.com: The Women's Network
iVillage.com: The Women's Network (http://www.ivillage.com and
AOL keyword: ivillage) is the leading women's network online
providing practical solutions and everyday support for women
between the ages of 25 and 54. iVillage.com is organised into
branded communities that focus on issues of most importance to
women and provide interactive services, peer support and
online access to experts through 16 content channels and
several shopping areas. Content channels include Parent Soup,
allHealth, MoneyLife, Career, Work from Home, Relationships,
Beauty, Election 2000, Diet & Fitness, Click!: Where Computers
Make Sense, Pets, Travel, ParentsPlace, Food, Book Club and
Astrology, and are complemented by stores such as iBaby,
iMaternity, PlusBoutique.com and Shopping Central. Established
in 1995 and headquartered in New York City, iVillage Inc. is a
new media company, recognised as an industry leader in
developing innovative sponsorship and commerce relationships
that match the desire of marketers to reach women with the
needs of iVillage.com members for relevant information and
services.
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